BLAENAU Gwent’s brand-new multi-million-pound primary school opened its doors this week.

Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Helyg, the £6m Welsh medium school in Nantyglo, has replaced the old Ysgol Gymraeg Brynmawr, which closed before the summer holidays.

More than 300 pupils and staff began the new term on Monday. Pupils were given their new purple, grey and lime-green uniform jumpers and ties by the Friends of Ysgol Bro Helyg.

Headteacher Dilys Williams is thrilled with the new school, which has been built to environmental standards.

She said: “We see the school, with its technological resources and extensive grounds, as the cutting edge of progressive education and a springboard for pupils to reach their full potential.

“We hope the school will go from strength to strength in the local community, especially after the support shown by people in Blaenau Gwent to the National Eisteddfod this summer.”

The site is also home to playgroup Cylch Meithrin Helyg Bychan, which provides Welsh learning for children aged two to school age. Chairman Ian Hoey said playgroup staff were looking forward to working with the school.

Councillor Steve Bard, Blaenau Gwent Council’s Executive Member for Education said: “It was great to see pupils and staff move in. As a keen musician and conductor, I am also looking forward to their first school concert!”